Joanna James
From some of the best beaches in the world to highlands that seem otherworldly just a few hours away; Sri Lanka has it all. To experience the island, you'll need to put the beaches on hold – though it might be tough – and explore the heartland of this magical pearl in the Indian Ocean.
Often referred to as Little England by the locals, Nuwara Eliya is truly a throwback to Sri Lanka's colonial past. The town is dotted with old buildings that wouldn't seem out of place in the British countryside and the climate is cool and a far cry from the sunbathed sub-tropical humidity you experienced on the coast. There are plenty of great hotels but book a holiday bungalow in Nuwara Eliya the likes of Stafford Bungalow instead, you'll appreciate the experience.
Kandy was the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, and to this day, it is considered one of the cultural centres of the country. It is home to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Kandy is a calm and lovely place ideal for evening walks around the lake that sits at the heart of the city.
Ella is somewhat of a new destination in Sri Lanka. Travellers come here to enjoy the great views, the pubs, and the vibrant atmosphere of hundreds of young backpackers partying the nights away. It is a hub for tourists and a great place to meet new and like-minded people.
Horton Plains is quite the anomaly when compared to the rest of the island. It is a windswept plateau, which is situated to the south of Nuwara Eliya and boasts a very unique and eclectic host of flora and fauna. Many travellers visit the plains to make the 9km trek to 'world's end' – a 1000m cliff, which offers spectacular views.
Ever heard of a movie called the Bridge on the River Kwai? Maybe not. It was released in 1957, but for context, it was filmed in Kithulgala, a picturesque village set amidst the sloping forested hills. Kithulgala became famous as a tourist destination because it offers the best white-water rafting in the country.
In Nuwara Eliya and Ella, you'll catch glimpses of the rolling tea hills of Sri Lanka, but you simply must spend some time walking through these meticulously crafted plantations and watching the colourful and iconic tea-pluckers go about their craft.
Adam's peak is a holy site for Buddhists. It's a mountain that is over 2000m high. During the season, thousands of locals make the pilgrimage to the summit of this impressive peak to see what is believed to be the footprint of the Buddha. The climb is not easy and will take about half a day, but when the time is right, you can enjoy one of the best sunrises you'll ever see.
Sinharaja is the last remaining rainforest in Sri Lanka and one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet. The forest reserve has some amazing trails to hike and a wide variety of amazing flora and fauna.
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